In 2012, 25.5 percent of the fatalities on Nevada’s roads were alcohol-related, Pierini said.

“Sobriety checkpoints will be conducted throughout the area. Checkpoints will focus on identifying impaired drivers before they are involved in a crash injuring or killing members of our community,” Pierini said.

According to the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration, a DUI costs an average of $10,000 including legal fees, loss of driver license, vehicle impoundment and higher insurance rates.

In tandem with the enforcement effort, traffic safety officials also launched an education campaign throughout the state reminding motorists of the importance of designating a sober driver. The TV and radio public service announcements, statistics and other information are available online at http://ZeroFatalitiesNV.com/sober.

Joining Forces is funded by grants through the Nevada Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. Nevada’s Zero Fatalities program is a statewide effort addressing the top behaviors that are killing people on our roads. More information about this program is available at http://ZeroFatalitiesNV.com.